Thandi is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of the Witwatersrand and her aim is to complete her undergraduate studies – majoring in Genetics and Zoology. Thereafter, she hopes to undertake some post-graduate studies and/or an internship overseas. Her hobbies include horse-riding, football and guitar playing. She is also part of the Netzer leadership body of 2018.

Kani is widely liked by his peers for his dedication and charming personality. He is a model and fashion designer and has recently started up his own fashion line with a friend – aspiring to show the world his ART. His hobbies include football, all forms of art and being the life of the party. He is also currently part of the Netzer leadership body of 2018.

Donna is 19 and she loves kids (she is the oldest of five siblings). She looks forward to getting to know all the kids and teaching them all about being Jewish and having fun with all sorts of activities.

You can get in touch with Thandi, Kani and Donna via email: youth@betdavid.org.za

]]>http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/15/our-new-team-for-the-bet-david-kids-club/feed/03434An evening for Bet Davidhttp://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/15/an-evening-for-bet-david/
http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/15/an-evening-for-bet-david/#respondThu, 15 Feb 2018 08:27:18 +0000http://betdavid.org.za/?p=3430Last Saturday night (10 Feb) we celebrated the official opening of the Bet David Campus. The occasion was an opportunity to celebrate with all who have helped to achieve this extraordinary milestone in our congregation‘s life and to set us upon the next stage of our journey. This was also an occasion for celebration, laughter and fun together as a community.

The wise words of our Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Avidan on Friday evening followed by the festive service on Saturday morning, during which Jodi and her children were formally welcomed into the covenant, provided the backdrop for the festivities.

The night started with Havdalah followed by the affixing of the Mezuzah at our Shul’s door by Rabbi Schell. Messages of congratulation were read out from our sister congregations, the SAAPR and other well-wishers. A special thank you to Beit Emanuel for the wonderful gift, a set of Rimonim (Torah crowns). The delicious food, festive music and buoyant atmosphere ensured that a good time was enjoyed by all.

Thank you to all who have made donations towards the shul and buildings, sponsored the dinner and prizes and to those who bought raffle tickets. Your support helps to provide Bet David with the resources to pursue our mission to serve the community, our families and future generations.

I conclude by repeating my words from Saturday night. The job is only half done. The Bet David
community has been gifted a marvellous shul and campus for us to use. It is now up to us to strengthen the ties of our community and to build upon our enduring bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

I invite you all to join me, the Rabbi, the Mancom and the trustees of Bet David in our continuing
journey towards making the shul an ever expanding, inclusive and caring religious community.

Last week, I shared with you the sad news of the passing of Michael Brookstone, a member of our Introduction to Judaism programme. Many of you met this gentle man, who despite the many hardships he had to endure in his life, always had a smile for others and the will to continue to follow his dreams.

What has moved me the most after I had to announce his death is to learn how many hearts he had touched and how he had contributed in his own, unique way to make Bet David a warm home for so many—a place were God can be found, because of the people who come here.

Our Torah portion opens with the word from God to Moses: “Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves them.” and some verses later God explains for what those gifts are needed. “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Ex 25,2 and 8).

Studying these two sentences, we learn something fundamental about any place of worship, any Shul, church, mosque or temple. It is not what we give and how much, only an open heart will provide the space for God. Rashi sees the gifts demanded by Terumah not as dictated practice but rather as an intentional choice. Not only are the gifts voluntary, but also, Rashi suggests, they come from the heart as expressions of good will. The first sanctuary for the Israelites was not only built with gold, silver, wood and so on, but more so by all the volunteer work, and an immense sense of community, creating something special and unique.

Michael’s contribution to Bet David was his optimism, which came from his heart. May his memory inspire all of us to open our hearts alike, creating a sanctuary for God among us.

Join us for our Kabbalat Shabbat Service this Friday (16 February) at 18:00 and on Saturday(17 February) morning for our Shacharit service at 10:00

Cheder begins at 08:30, the Breakfast Study group meets at 8:45 as usual. The service is followed by a Brocha in our garden.

Starting this Friday, our Toddler and Kids‘ activities will be re-structured. For Toddlers we have activities in the Kids‘ lounge at the back of the Shul from 18:00 to 19:00 and every Shabbat morning between 10:00 and 12:00am. At the same times, we will have a programme and a little service for older kids (up to 12years) in the youth lounge.

Save the date!

The SAUPJ is 85 this year and our Biennial will be held in Johannesburg from 10-13 May. We have an exciting programme lined-up and as part of our celebrations we will be having a Gala Dinner with superb entertainment on 12 May 2018 in the Middleton Hall. R250 per person includes Dinner, Wine, Beer, Whisky & Cold drinks.

Bookings for the dinner are now open. Please send these to fs31@mweb.co.za — Conference registration will be open soon!

There are a number of Shabbatot throughout the Jewish calendar that have special names. The most familiar of these is probably Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, which takes place between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These special Shabbatot each serve a purpose, some historical, some still relevant today. On Friday evening begins Shabbat Shekalim, the Shabbat of Shekels. It takes place every year on the Shabbat before the month of Adar. It is named for a special verse of Torah read on this date which commands every Israelite to contribute half a shekel to support the sacrifices in the ancient Temple.

Now, the Second Temple was destroyed in the year 70 CE and, with its destruction, came the end of Jewish sacrificial worship. So, the notion of a half shekel contribution to The Temple is an interesting historical idea, but, beyond that, seemingly irrelevant to our 21st Century lives. And yet, there were several things about this contribution which still resonate today.

First, this was a shared responsibility. The obligation to give a half shekel fell to each and every Israelite, regardless of income. This shared tax must have led to a unique sense of unity and belonging among the Israelites.

Second, this money went to support what was considered the main institution which guaranteed the welfare of the Israelite nation. From the perspective of the Israelites, that half shekel tax was the first step to providing prosperity, safety and happiness to the entire nation … to providing hope for the future.

To have the official opening of our new Bet David campus this Shabbat, Shabbat Shekalim, was a deliberate choice, because the two above mentioned values, which seem to be from another time, but will be hopefully continue to be the supporting pillars of our congregation. A unique sense of unity and belonging in which all who are part of Bet David enjoy the same rights and responsibilities. And Bet David as a place that provides hope for the future, a place where we grow together and strengthen our community and our Progressive Judaism.

On this Shabbat Shekalim, I pray our congregation will prosper in its new home and that everyone who seeks a place of peace, safety and hope will find it within its walls.

Our Friday (9. February)service (18:00), will be followed by a l’chaim, celebrating Pat and Geoff van Flymen‘s Golden Anniversary. Our Kid’s club meets at 18:00.

On Saturday(10. February) we start with Cheder at 8:30, the Breakfast Study group meets at 8:45. Our Shabbat morning service includes the Welcoming of Jodi Jankelowitz as a New Jew by Choice and the Hebrew Naming of Alissa Jankelowitz and begins at 10:00. The service is followed by a Brocha in their honour.

So if you miss camp or wish you had gone, join us at Bet David at 10:00 – 12:00 on the 11th of Feb for a Netzer games day with your Joburg camp friends and you can even bring new ones too!
Contact Thandi Nhlapo for any further questions!
mobile: 0820545030 email: jhb@netzer.org.za

]]>http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/community-news-32/feed/03397Parashat Yitro: Who am I and who is my neighbour?http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/parashat-yitro-who-am-i-and-who-is-my-neighbour/
http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/parashat-yitro-who-am-i-and-who-is-my-neighbour/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 11:18:48 +0000http://betdavid.org.za/?p=3395Chaverim,

The first Mishna in the tractate Rosh Hashana informs us of various ‘new years’. These are times of the year that are considered the beginning of the annual calendar with regard to various laws. The Rosh Hashana for trees is the fifteenth day of the month of Sh’vat, more famously known as ‘Tu Bi Sh‘vat’. This day is considered a festive day. Further, there is the universal custom to make blessings on, and, eat a variety of fruit. The overall focus of the day is to thank God for the gift of trees to the world and to recognise the wonders of nature.

Tu Bi Sh‘vat and Parashat Yitro

In our Torah portion we read of God‘s encounter with all people of Israel. In this moment of intense, hallowed energy, a voice echoed through the Sinai mountains. It began, “I am the Lord your God…” and concluded with “all that is your neighbour’s.” The Torah’s ten essential guidelines, which address our place in the world are bookended by the self (anokhi) and the other (re’ekha).

Rabbi Ira Blum teaches that on a daily basis, we challenge ourselves to consider the existential WHO AM I? and the social WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? What a blessing! To be tasked with the responsibility of compassion and respect for others, even as we continue our individual searches for truth and meaning.

As we celebrate Tu Bi Sh‘vat this week, let us mirror our natural environment by finding strength and space to nourish personal growth, while cultivating circles of responsibility. May we find balance in our rooted knowledge, and may we continue to enrich one another on our journeys of self-discovery, social awareness, and everything in between.

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbat Rabbi Adrian M Schell

(Source: Rabbi Ira Blum)

]]>http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/parashat-yitro-who-am-i-and-who-is-my-neighbour/feed/03395Tu Bi Sh’vat and Shabbat Yitrohttp://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/tu-bi-shvat-and-shabbat-yitro/
http://betdavid.org.za/2018/02/01/tu-bi-shvat-and-shabbat-yitro/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 11:09:19 +0000http://betdavid.org.za/?p=3392Tu Bi Sh’vat – Celebrate the Birthday of the trees with us
this Friday, 2 February at 17.00.

~ Tree-planting, Kids and Family activities ~

Having back our Bet David garden, we will take up the long-standing Bet David tradition to plant a tree and to celebrate the “Birthday of the trees“. We will plant a tree, have a mini-seder and run some fun-activities for children. Everyone is welcome.

This Shabbat at Bet David

Join us for another Shabbat, filled with celebrations: This Friday (2. February) for our TuBiSh’vat celebration at 17:00, before the service (18:00), followed by a l’chaim, celebrating Jarrod & Beatrice Lewis‘ recent birthdays.
Our Kid’s club meets at 18:00.

On Saturday(3. February) we start with Cheder at 8:30, the Breakfast Study group meets at 8:45. Our Shabbat morning service includes the Aufruf for Codey-Lee Sueltz and begins at 10:00. The service is followed by a Brocha in Codey’s honour.

Support your Shul.

Join us for a special evening of celebration.

Together we have reached something very special and unique.
Together we built a new Synagogue where we not only can encounter God, but also practise our Judasim in its multi-faceted ways as we experience it every day. We can come together in joy to celebrate life‘s achievements and highlights, but also in moments of sadness and when we need the support of others. We come to learn and to share wisdom. All this and much more is Bet David and takes place in our new Shul and in its sourrounding offices.

And this milestone in our congregational history is worth celebrating.

At the same time we all know and see that we couldn‘t fulfill and implement all dreams we had for the buildings, and why we continue to need your support. In short, you all are invited to join our ManCom for an evening of celebration and raising funds for our next visions on:

It is the official opening of the new Bet David Campus. We will have the dedication of the new buildings with the affixing of the Mezzuzah at the front door, entertainment and music, and much more.

Entrance Fee is R275 p/P. Please RSVP to chair@betdavid.org.za.

Tu Bi Sh’vat

Celebrate the Birthday of the trees with us on Friday, 2 February at 17.00 (before the service).

~ Tree-planting and Kids and Family activities ~

Having back our Bet David garden, we will take up the long standing Bet David tradition to plant a tree and to celebrate the “Birthday of the trees“. We will plant a tree and run some fun-activities for children. Everyone is welcome. Happy birthday nature!

Adult Bat or Bar Mitzvah

Do you want to celebrate your second Bat Mitzvah, or haven‘t you had a Bar Mitzvah so far?

Rabbi Schell will start a class for those interested in February. Part of the curriculum will be learning to read from the Torah (including Hebrew), writing a short sermon, and a freshening up of Jewish knowledge. If you can‘t yet read Hebrew, please don‘t hesitate to sign up—participants from all levels of knowledge are welcome to take part. The course will culminate in a special BaMi celebration and graduation on Shavuot (20 May 2018). The class will take place bi-weekly on a Tuesday evening, Fee: R2500,- for the course. Please RSVP to the office: admin1@betdavid.org.za